Social Media Ban: Safeguarding youth or silencing them?
How has social media impacted you?
Due to similar laws in Australia near the end of 2025, there has been a political interest in forbidding all social media to those under a certain age. Currently, in the House of Lords, the votes to ban social media platforms to under 16-year old’s is 261 to 150. This has left many questioning what will happen next.
There is uncertainty over whether this will be passed into a law; if it were, it would have a significant impact on teenagers across the country, particularly in relation to mental health and social development.
Although social media is often criticised and not always viewed as ‘healthy,’ many young people find genuine comfort in online platforms. Social media allows teenagers to form friendships, express themselves creatively and develop their identities. For some, it also provides a temporary escape from academic pressure, family stress, or personal difficulties.
On the other hand, social media can have negative effects as it may distract teenagers from homework, disrupt sleep, expose them to cyber bullying and, with excessive use of online platforms, can increase the likelihood of self-harm or suicide. Children aged 12 and under are below the age limit for opening a social media account, but despite this, research has found 75% of them have one. In addition, social media often promotes unrealistic beauty standards through edited and filtered images of celebrities and influencers. According to research conducted by Whitney Crenna-Jennings, 1 in 3 girls were unhappy with their appearance by the age of 14. This dissatisfaction can contribute to lower self-esteem and a decline in mental well-being.
Moreover, poor mental health can have wider consequences, including reduced school attendance, lower educational attainments and falling grades. Due to this, supporters of the ban argue that restricting access could protect young people from harm and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Ultimately, the debate raises an important question: should social media be restricted to protect teenagers or should young people be trusted to use online platforms if they receive more guidance?
Lily Field
Sources:
The House of Lords has voted to stop under 16s using social media – what happens now?
https://epi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EPI-PT_Young-people%E2%80%99s-wellbeing_Jan2021.pdf
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55826238
Teens and social media use: What's the impact? - Mayo Clinic
